The city that boasts some of the best preserved pieces of ancient architecture has quickly gained status as one of the most prestigious yacht charter destinations.
Located in the eastern part of the Adriatic sea, Split is the the second-largest city in Croatia and offers a balanced mix of rich history, excellent gastronomic scene with several Michelin-studded restaurants, lively nightlife scene, and about a dozen heavenly beaches where you can kick back and relax.
Just an hour in the city center is a crash-course in history - the town was established as a Greek colony in the 3rd century BC. Many monuments, including the majestic Diocletian's Palace are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
As soon as you moor your luxury yacht in the swish ACI marina, a chic marina that can welcome vessels up to 90 meters in length and attracts the jetset each year, you can start exploring the endless list of things that make Split the impressive metropolis that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Things to see in Split
There’s a shortage of mesmerizing places to see in this gorgeous Dalmatian town - in fact, without a plan it can be pretty easy to miss some monuments of invaluable importance for civilizations. Make sure to put on some comfortable shoes - you can easily spend a lifetime exploring the striking architecture and cultural gems.
Diocletian's Palace
The most emblematic landmark of Split is undoubtedly the Diocletian's Palace - yet its landmark can be slightly misleading. The ancient palace is more like a citadel where even today, 3000 people live and work. Built in the 4th Century AD by Roman emperor Diocletian, the citadel occupies more than half of the Old Town, offering clues to old mysteries on every corner.
The Diocletian's Palace consists of 4 parts:
The Porta Septemtrionalis
The Northern part, or Golden Gate, of the palace was where the original gate entrance was, while today you can find the St. Martin Church from the 7th century, one of the main tourist attractions in the city.
The Porta Orientalis
The western, or Silver Gate of the palace is now where you will find the 6th Century Church of Apolinar.
The Porta Occidentalis
Once the military entrance to the palace, the Western or Iron Gate, is the only entrance to the palace still used in modern times. Here, you will find a cocktail of different architectural styles - the Renaissance clock, the gothic chapel of Lady of the Belfry, and of course, the numerous Roman remains.
The Porta Meridionalis
Also known as the Bronze and South Gate, it was the most understated entrance to the palace that the emperor used to enter the complex by boat.
Marjan Park
The hill that towers over the intriguing city of Split is a protected park area perfect for hiking and meditation. Covered in a thick pine forest and offering stunning panoramic views of the city, the park was originally created by the emperor Diocletian in order to offer a recreation area for the 10000 residents that occupied the palace. While hiking, you will be able to visit the 15th century AD church dedicated to St. Jeronime, and a small church that is 200 years older. At the foot of the hill, there are two magnificent beaches, Kasjuni i Bene.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Named after the patron saint of Split - Sveti Dujam - this gorgeous cathedral is considered to be the oldest catholic church still in use today. Dating back to the 7th Century AD with details later added until the 11th century, the cathedral is the heart of the strong catholic community that lives in Split.
Klis Fortress
Minutes away from the city center, you will find the impressive fortress built by the Illyrian tribe Dalmatae 2000 years ago, and that later served as a seat for numerous kings of the region. Later ruled by various empires, including the Mongolians, Klis has a spectacular architectural and historical heritage, with many military items displayed in the museum here. The fortress was also used as a Game of Thrones shooting location - tours devoted to the show are organized regularly, and include a visit to a nearby village where you can indulge in a dinner hosted in a medieval mill.
Game of Thrones Museum
The hit series did wonders for the tourism of this amazing city, and if you are among fans of Games of Thrones, you might enjoy a visit to this show’s museum that has a permanent display of weapons, props, costumes and figures of the actors.
Best Beaches in Split
Although the world is your beach when cruising on your luxury charter yacht, it doesn’t hurt to know about Split’s best swimming spots.
Kasjuni Beach
Enjoy the wild natural setting of this magnificent beach with plenty of shade provided by the thick pine trees. The beach is a combination of sand and pebble, and offers a tranquil atmosphere for snorkelling, swimming, reading or meditation. If you prefer to stay active, you can hike the gorgeous Marjan peninsula in the morning and use the beach as a reward in the afternoon.
Bačvice Beach
Few historical towns can brag about having a tropical sandy beach right in the center, but Split surely can. Located just by the city port, Bačvice stretches over 14606 meters with clean seas, soft, golden sand and several hip bars serving drinks and refreshments. The beach is quite popular, but due to its size, it can always offer enough space for all. Reward with the Blue Flag standar, the iconic beach is a must-see spot with several activities to entertain kids, including a park, trampolines and paddle boat rides. Active charterers can play tennis, volleyball, jet skiing or diving.
Bene Beach
Another natural jewel situated at the foot of the Marjan hill is Bene which offers both the allure of a wild hiding spot and the advantages of an organized beach, such as changing rooms, showers, umbrellas and sunbeds. Several bars and restaurants serve drinks and delicious dishes to recharge after a vigorous swim, yet they don’t interfere with the serene and untamed setting.
Firule Beach
If you like sandy beaches, but would like a more peaceful atmosphere than the one one Bačvice offers, head to Firule. Named after the neighbourhood it is located in, Firule is an idyllic swimming spot perfect for those looking to relax under thick pine shade and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery and glittery water. While it is less crowded than Bačvice, it still has some activities, bars and shops.
Žnjan Beach
An organized beach better suited for those who prefer pebbles over sand, Žnjan is still near the city center and has plenty of content to suit everyone’s taste. Volleyball, sailing, trampolines, a children’s amusement park and sailing are just some among many activities organized here.
Best restaurants in Split
Whether you’re in the mood for a quintessentially Dalmatian experience or would rather head straight to one of 3 Michelin awarded restaurants, Split will exceed your expectations with the versatile gastronomic scene.
Ćiri Biri Bela
A trendy restaurant in the Old Town perfect for a delicious lunch while exploring the gorgeous city, Ćiri Biri Bela puts emphasis on local and organic produce - all ingredients are sourced from their own farm, or the farms of the owner’s friends. A great option for younger guests, the stylish restaurant has plenty options for vegans, vegetarians and those following a gluten free diet. Ćiri Biri Bela also offers cooking classes, and has a cute shop with handmade products that can serve as cool souvenirs, including cosmetics, art, and delicacies.
Zoi
If you’re looking to go all out and treat yourself to a gourmet spectacle, book a table at Zoi, an exclusive Michelin restaurant with mesmerizing views of the harbor. Fresh ingredients, the mastery of the innovative chef, and elegant setting make Zoi a one of a kind restaurant that will pleasantly surprise even the best traveled of guests.
Dvor
Included in the Michelin guide of Croatia, Dvor restaurant delivers a masterful rendition of the favorite regional dishes in a mesmerizing setting. While the restaurant is chic, we love that it is still very unpretentious in spite of its growing reputation - the staff is friendly, cheerful and relaxed. At night, they often host events and concerts.
Konoba Nikola
Authentic cuisine, delicious local produce and 5-star seafood make Konoba Nikola one of the best restaurants not only in Split, but also in Croatia. Each dish is cooked to perfection with gorgeous presentation, with friendly staff members always willing to go an extra mile to make guests feel at home.
Zrno Soli
When coming to Split by luxury yacht, Zrno Soli will surely become your go-to place - it is located just in the swish ACI Marina. Adored not just by yachties, but also by the Michelin Guide food critics, Zrno Soli specializes in gourmet seafood and has an endless wine list any aspiring sommelier will appreciate. After spending some time in the marina, the staff will soon start treating you as family and go out of their way to get a table even when they're clearly overbooked - Dalmatian hospitality at its finest.
